President of ArtsakhArayik Harutyunyan welcomed Russia's declaration of the independence of theDonetsk andLuhansk People's Republics.[3] The Artsakh government sent 14 tons of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia regions.[4]
Azerbaijan PresidentIlham Aliyev expressed his support for territorial integrity of Ukraine, and urged his Ukrainian counterparts to "never to agree to the violation of your territorial integrity".[5][6][7] He offered to organize talks between Ukraine and Russia,[8] instructed Azerbaijan's State Oil CompanySOCAR to provide free fuel to Ukraine's ambulances andState Emergency Service[9] and sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine.[10][11]
The government of Azerbaijan took a neutral position on the conflict, and maintained cooperation with both Moscow and Kyiv.[12]
Russia and Azerbaijan a joint wide-ranging political-military agreement.[13]
In February 2022, Russian forces were permitted to stage part of theinvasion from Belarusian territory.[14] PresidentAlexander Lukashenko stated that Belarusian troops could take part in the invasion if needed.[15] Belarus stated that Russia could bring its nuclear weapons onto Belarusian soil.[16] In March 2022, Oleksandr Kamyshin, head ofUkrainian Railways, said that the railway connection between Ukraine and Belarus had closed, so Russian equipment from Belarus could not be delivered.[17] On 25 March 2023, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would station tactical nuclear operations in Belarus.[18]
While condemning the invasion, Serbia refused to back sanctions against Russia.[19] Serbia did not impose sanctions. Serbian PresidentAleksandar Vučić said the National Security Council concluded the Republic of Serbia considers "very wrong the violation of territorial integrity of a number of countries including Ukraine."[20][21] Vučić also said that he would condemn Russia's recognition of the independence of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine only if Zelenskyy condemned theNATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 on public television.[22]
Serbian Foreign MinisterNikola Selaković said that "Russia was Serbia's biggest support in its battle to preserve its territorial integrity and sovereignty and avoid the stigmatisation of the entire Serb people." Serbian Interior MinisterAleksandar Vulin stressed that Serbia would not join NATO: "While Aleksandar Vučić is the head of the state, you should have no dilemma as to what our attitude toward the NATO alliance is."[23] Serbia expressed regrets over events, describing both Russia and Ukraine as friendly states and underlining full support for the Ukraine's territorial integrity.[24][25] The initial weak response by the government was criticised by some commentators in the country and the region.[26][27]
On 2 March Serbia voted 'yes' to the UN's resolution condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine.[30]
On 16 May Serbia signed the "Tirana declaration" and deplored in the strongest terms the illegal and unjustified aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.[31]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement: "The Republic of South Ossetia expresses its support for the decision of the Russian Federation to conduct the special military operation to protect the residents of Donbas from the current nationalist regime of Kyiv."[33] On 26 March 2022, South Ossetian PresidentAnatoly Bibilov began sending troops to Ukraine to assist Russia with the invasion.[34][35]
On 26 February, PresidentVadim Krasnoselsky, asserted that Transnistria was a peaceful state and never had plans to attack its neighbours. Krasnoselski noted the large ethnicallyUkrainian population in Transnistria and thatUkrainian is taught in Transnistrian schools and is one of its official languages.[36]
The Armenian MFA spokesman on 23 February expressed "hope that the existing problems between the two friendly states would be resolved through diplomatic dialogue", and declared Armenia's readiness to accept refugees.[37][38] On 1 June 2023, during an interview, prime minister of ArmeniaNikol Pashinyan stated, "Armenia is not an ally of Russia in the war in Ukraine."[39]
Tripartite Presidency MemberŽeljko Komšić said Bosnia would support Ukraine.[40] Croat and Bosniak members of the tripartite presidency, Željko Komšić andŠefik Džaferović, issued separate statements condemning the Russian invasion. The Serb memberMilorad Dodik did not, instead stating that Bosnia and Herzegovina was neutral. He'd said the previous day that events showed it was good that Bosnia and Herzegovina had not joined NATO, and that the country would not support sanctions.[41] Foreign MinisterBisera Turković said: "Bosnia and Herzegovina remains firmly committed to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we call for an immediate end to fighting and shelling! OSCE principles, security and international law are under attack today. Hostility and suffering of innocent civilians must end immediately". Turković called on Russia and Belarus to refrain from using force in the interests of peace, and regional and global stability.[42]
Dodik repeatedly visited Russia, including attending Eastern Economic Summit.
Prime MinisterVictor Orban had made strong arguments related to NATO expansion to the East, and stated that Ukraine never could join either EU nor NATO. Orban defended Russia and Hungarian relations. Hungary was one of a few European countries to maintain relations with Russia, despite many sanctions or obstacles faced between bilateral relations of Russia and Hungary.[citation needed]
Prime MinisterEduard Heger stated that "The Russian imperialism has been restored in front of our eyes in its aggressive, militant form" and about Russian president Vladimir Putin added "All victims of this war will be his victims and he will be responsible for them in the eyes of the global public."[43] On 24 February 2022,Bratislava Castle and the seat of President of SlovakiaGrassalkovich Palace in Bratislava was lighted in blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine.[44] Slovakia provided Ukraine with anS-300 air defense system.[45]
On 3 February 2022, PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdoğan volunteered to organize a Ukraine-Russia conference during a visit to Ukraine, as EU leaders increased outreach to the Kremlin to calm worries of aRussian invasion.[46] On 24 February, Erdoğan expressed his support for Ukraine.[47] On 25 February, on the other hand, the Republic of Turkey abstained from voting on Russia's suspension from theCouncil of Europe, instead calling for open dialogue between the parties under any circumstances.[48] Turkish Foreign MinisterMevlut Cavusoglu reiterated Turkey's "readiness to host negotiations that could take place between the Russian Federation and Ukraine".[49]
On 27 February 2022, Cavusoglu shifted its terminology to refer to Russia's assault on Ukraine as a "war," and committed to enforce elements of the1936 Montreux Convention's international pact that allowed Turkey to prohibit all warships of the belligerent forces, including those of the Russian navy, from entering the Bosporus and Dardanelles and thus hinder Russian vessels' transit from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.[50] On 28 February, Erdoğan confirmed that the straits would be closed to prevent escalation, while pledging to maintain relations with both Ukraine and Russia.[51] On 10 March, Russian Foreign MinisterSergei Lavrov andDmytro Kuleba met inAntalya in Turkey, the first high-level contact between the two sides since the invasion. Turkish Foreign MinisterMevlut Cavusoglu also participated. Mr Cavusoglu said the aim of the diplomatic meeting was "to pave the way," for a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, which would be facilitated by Turkey's president.
Turkey actively participated in mediation efforts.[52] Ukraine asked both Israel and Turkey to set up talks with Russia.[53][54]
Turkey had been providing Ukraine withBayraktar drones since 2019, which played a significant role in deterring Russian advances in the early stages of the invasion, but did not impose sanctions on Russia.[55][56]
On 17 March 2022, Cavusoglu expressed hope for a humanitarian ceasefire in the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, where he claimed more than 100 Turkish citizens remained.[57]
On 20 March 2022, Cavusoglu stated that Russia and Ukraine were close to agreement on "important" issues, and that he hoped for a ceasefire.[58]
Pope Francis stated that the events in Ukraine had caused "great pain in his heart". The Pope called for 2 March,Ash Wednesday, to be a day of prayer and fasting for peace. In an unprecedented departure from diplomatic protocol, the Pope went to the Russian embassy on 25 February to relay his concern.[59]
The Pope said to Russian youth, "Never forget your heritage. You are the descendants of great Russia: the great Russia of saints, rulers, the great Russia of Peter I, Catherine II, that empire – educated, great culture and great humanity. Never give up on this heritage." This comment was received negatively by the government of Ukraine.[60]
In mid February 2022, Lavrov accused Albania and two other Balkan countries of sending mercenaries to the Donbass conflict in Ukraine.[62] The claims were rejected by Albanian officials.[62]
Albanian PresidentIlir Meta,[63] Prime MinisterEdi Rama,[40] Minister for Europe and Foreign AffairsOlta Xhaçka,[64] and Ambassador to the UNFerit Hoxha[65][66] made statements condemning the invasion. Russia's recognition of the separatist regions in the Ukrainian Donbass as independent was condemned by Albania as a violation of theMinsk Protocol, international law, and of Ukraine's statehood and borders.[67]
In late February 2022, Albania and the US tabled a co-written resolution condemning the invasion at theUN Security Council, but Russia vetoed it.[68] Albania cosponsored another resolution with the US for anemergency General Assembly session.[69][70] The resolution passed.[69][70] At the session, Albania voted in favour of asuccessful resolution that condemned the invasion and demanded its withdrawal from Ukraine.[71]
Albania imposed sanctions on Russia targeting close political and business Putin associates, on sectors related to energy, finance, technology and transport, and denying access to Russian aircraft.[72][73] The name of a Tirana street where the Russian embassy sits was changed to "Free Ukraine" by MayorErion Veliaj.[74][73] These actions led to Russia including Albania on its official list of "unfriendly countries".[75][76][77] Albania's honorary consulate inKharkiv was shelled and destroyed by Russian forces. There were no casualties as its staff had evacuated the building.[78][77][73]
In mid March, Albania and five other countries at the UN Security Council accused Russia ofwar crimes.[79] In Albania, President Meta, Foreign Minister Xhaçka and the Speaker of ParliamentLindita Nikolla all condemned Russia for theBucha massacre and called for an international response and independent investigation.[80] Albania voted for a successfulUN General Assembly resolution to suspend Russia from theUN Human Rights Council.[81] In late September 2022, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution tabled by Albania and the US opposing theRussian annexation of occupied areas.[82]
On 24 March 2022, the Bulgarian prime minister recalled the Bulgarian ambassador in Moscow for consultations, in the wake of "undiplomatic, sharp and rude" comments reportedly spouted by the Russian ambassador to Bulgaria,Eleonora Mitrofanova.[84]
On the evening of 27 June the Russian embassy in Sofia launched a charity appeal for Bulgarians to support the invasion.[85] One day later, Petkov announced the expulsion of 70 Russian diplomats over concerns of espionage.[86] TheMinistry of Foreign Affairs closed its diplomatic mission inYekaterinburg and expected Russia to halt the activities of its own mission inRuse, Bulgaria.[87] All Russian embassy services were halted. Bulgaria stipulated that Russia must conform to the official standard of limiting their numbers to 23 diplomatic staff and 25 administrative staff.[88] Misinformation promulgated by Russia in Bulgaria was countered by the government.[89]
Russia is suspected of an explosion at an arms factory in June 2023, which followed similar incidents at arms depots housing ammunition meant for export to Ukraine.[90] In June 2023 Bulgaria began to sell weapons to Ukraine and in July endorsed a decision to join theEuropean Defence Agency's Collaborative Procurement of Ammunition project in support of Ukraine.[91] Prime MinisterNikolai Denkov stated "Russia must definitely withdraw from the territory of Ukraine, recognize its borders, and be held accountable for the crimes it has committed," at a July meeting with Zelensky.[92]
Bulgaria took over the Rosenets oil terminal at the port ofBurgas, run byLukoil, ending its long term concession.[93]
PresidentZoran Milanović made pro-Russian statements, stating in January 2023 "Crimea will never again be part of Ukraine".[96] In January 2023 Croatia joined theSchengen Area then requiring Russian citizens to apply for a visa to enter Croatia.[97]
The self-governing Faroe Islands, although not part of the EU, implemented similar sanctions.[103] In April 2022, Denmark expelled 15 Russian diplomats from Denmark, and the following month Russia expelled 4 Danish diplomats and 3 other Danish embassy workers from Russia.[104] Relative to its GDP, Denmark donated among the most to Ukraine (combinedmilitary andhumanitarian aid).[105][106]
In September 2022, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia closed entry for Russian citizens withSchengen visas, including those issued by third countries.[108]
On 18 October 2022, the Estonian parliament voted to officially recognize Russia as a terrorist state. TheRiigikogu called on the international community to adopt a similar position.[109][110]
On 6 December 2022 suspectedFSB officer Vadim Konoshchenok was arrested at the border with high tech electronic items and ammunition sourced in the US. Additional goods were found in a warehouse Konoshchenok was renting. The USA sought his extradition,[111] which was granted and completed in July 2023.[112]
In January 2023, Estonian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mihkel Tamm announced Estonia's intention to seize $21.4 million in Russian assets in Estonia and deliver it to Ukraine. Estonia worked with European Commission on plans to seize Russian assets frozen in the European Union which are estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars.[113]
Estonia announced the expulsion of 21 Russian diplomats and technical staff in January 2023 and encouraged other European Union countries to follow suit.[114] In response, Russia downgraded its relations with Estonia and expelled the Estonian ambassador, Estonia responded in kind.[115]
On 6 June 2023 Finland expelled nine Russian diplomats, believed to be working for an intelligence service. In July 2023 Russia ordered the closure of Finland's St Petersburg consulate and expelled nine diplomats. Entry into Finland for Russian citizens was indefinitely limited.[116]
On 5 June 2022, French finance ministerBruno Le Maire stated that France was in talks with the United Arab Emirates, to replace Russian oil imports.
After Macron took power in France, Russian-French relations remained at a standstill. According to Macron, "the war will continue" and he urged the French people "to prepare for the scenario where we all have to go without Russian gas." Macron's government urged a "sobriety plan" to conserve energy.[117]
PresidentSalome Zourabichvili stated that "We are participating in all kinds of international financial sanctions and that's quite something for the Georgian financial sector. At the same time, we are participating in all the international resolutions that have been taken to support Ukraine. We share [with Ukraine] a common two-century history of Russian aggression and we know what that means"[118]
The Georgian government contributed 1 million GEL from its reserve budget to help Ukrainians harmed by Russia's military assault. Prime MinisterIrakli Garibashvili made the decision and signed the decree authorizing the aid. The funding was for medical supplies for Georgia's Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons, Labor, Health, and Social Affairs.[119]
On 24 February, the Chairman of the Parliament of GeorgiaShalva Papuashvili expressed his solidarity with Ukraine and called on the international community to take steps to "stop Russia escalating into a full-scale conflict and ensure the protection of international norms."[120]
On 27 February 100 tons of humanitarian aid were delivered to Ukraine via Poland.[119]
On 4 March, The Georgian Health Ministry declared that all Ukrainian citizens in Georgia would receive free emergency medical services.[119]
Garibashvili said that Georgia's government could not impose separate sanctions against Russia.[121]
Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia,David Zalkaliani stated that "Military aggression launched by Russia against Ukraine is totally intolerable". He called on international partners to give a strict response to the violation of international law by Russia and ensure the de-escalation of the situation.[122][123]
A pParliamentary delegation visited two Ukrainian cities where Papuashvili opposed Russia's invasion. The opposition United National Movement (UNM), Georgia's main opposition party, paid a surprise visit to Kyiv on the same day, sending a separate delegation that included party chairman Nika Melia and former Georgian PresidentGiorgi Margvelashvili.[124]
The2022 invasion led to a near complete reversal of German-Russian relations under the new German Chancellor,Olaf Scholz. He ordered the immediate transfer of thousands of missiles to the Ukrainian military.
Germany was dependent on Russia fornatural gas and was less willing to sanction that sector. Germany agreed to halt theNord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The pipeline provided a significant portion of Germany's petroleum imports.[125] Russia gradually reduced flows of gas. The pipeline was attacked on 26 September, ending transport.
Putin's hypochondria on display as he meets with German chancellorOlaf Scholz on 15 February 2022
In April 2022, the German government said it would send 1 billion euros inmilitary aid to Ukraine.[126] On 17 May 2022, German Finance MinisterChristian Lindner said he is "politically open to the idea of seizing" the frozenforeign-exchange reserves of theCentral Bank of Russia to offset the costs of rebuilding Ukraine after the war. Russian Deputy Foreign MinisterAlexander Grushko remarked that it would amount to "complete lawlessness", and that the measure would hurt Germany if adopted.[127]
In late 2022, Germany announced its firsttrade deficit since 1991, after it halted permits forNord Stream 2, and introduced a Russian oil embargo. The country suffered an acute energy shortage. The government offered subsidies to protect households from soaring energy bills. In fall 2022, Russia had halted gas flows via theNord Stream 1 pipeline several times, blamingsanctions, while the value of theEuro slipped against all major currencies until February 2023.[130] Russia blamed the United States for Germany's energy crisis, by pushing its leaders towards a "suicidal" step,[131] despite previousRussian-Ukrainian gas disputes disrupting Russia's natural gas supply to Europe in 2006 and 2009.[132]
The discussion on the legitimacy of economic sanctions against Russia had a significant impact on Germany's political landscape. Parties to the right (AfD) and to the left (Die Linke) split on whether economic sanctions were effective to stop the conflict, and how they impacted the German economy. The right wanted to support theNord Stream 2 pipeline, while leftists have voiced similar concerns with regard to Germany's economic viability.[133][134]
In April 2023, Germany expelled 50 Russian diplomats, reportedly to "reduce the presence of Russian intelligence in Germany".[135] Russia responded by expelling 34 German diplomats, stating that Germany "continues to demonstratively destroy the entire array of Russian-German relations".[136] In May 2023, theGerman Foreign Ministry stated that hundreds of Germans would be expelled from Moscow at the beginning of June, after Russia capped the number of German workers in the country.[137]
TánaisteLeo Varadkar stated that while Ireland ismilitarily neutral, "in this conflict, Ireland is not neutral at all", acknowledging the country's "unwavering and unconditional" support for Ukraine.[145] He compared the invasion to theinvasion ofCzechoslovakia in 1939, calling Putin "the Hitler of the 21st century".[146]
Prime MinisterMario Draghi promised "whatever it takes to restore Ukrainian sovereignty" and said it was "impossible to have meaningful dialogue with Moscow", demanding Russia unconditionally pull its forces back to the internationally established borders.[147]
Italy opened a diplomatic channel to resolve the crisis.[148]
Initially, Italy was opposed to sanctions, partly because they were much more damaging economically for Italy than for Russia.[149][150][151][152]
Italian public opinion was shocked by the invasion, because it considered this war unjustified and unjustifiable.[153] The significant presence of Ukrainian immigrants in Italy joined demonstrations for peace and to ask for support from Italy.[154]
Prime MinisterAlbin Kurti condemned the Russian invasion as "the largest military aggression, not only in Europe, since the end of the Second World War", stating "we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and stand together with the EU, NATO, the US, and the UK for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, the country's independence and the right of self-determination for the people of Ukraine", alongside condemnations by the Kosovar parliament. PresidentVjosa Osmani said that the people of Kosovo supported Ukrainians "as they face an unprovoked war as a result of Russian aggression".[40] A joint statement by Kosovo's president, prime minister and senior ministers furthermore condemned attempts to draw parallels to Kosovo's own declaration of independence from Serbia.[155]
PresidentEgils Levits condemned the invasion, calling for "all possible support, including weapons" to Ukraine and "the harshest possible sanctions" against Russia.[156] In a later interview he called the invasion the "beginning of the end for Putin".[157] On 26 February, theMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia suspended issuing visas to Russian nationals with the exception ofhumanitarian visas.[158] Two days later,Saeima approved legal amendments allowing Latvian nationals to voluntarily fight on the Ukrainian side.[159] On 4 March,Riga City Council renamed a section of the street in front of the Russian Embassy to Ukrainian Independence Street.[160]Prime Minister of LatviaKrišjānis Kariņš expressed that theLatvian economy and exports should continue to transition away from Russia, and the dependence on Russian energy imports should be reduced as soon as possible.[161]
The government promisedCHF 500,000 from its existing International Humanitarian Cooperation and Development Budget to humanitarian projects for those affected by the war.[163]
Lithuania condemned the invasion and called for military, economic and humanitarian aid.[164] PresidentGitanas Nausėda declared astate of emergency and requestedNATO to activate theArticle 4 on joint consultations on 24 February 2022.[165]
Lithuania expelled four Russian diplomats.[166] On 4 April, in response to theBucha massacre, Lithuania expelled the Russian ambassador and closed the consulate inKlaipėda.[167] In April 2022, the Russian government withdrew its consent for the Consulate-General of Lithuania inSaint Petersburg.[168]
On 10 May, Lithuania'sSeimas voted unanimously to describe Russia's actions in Ukraine as constitutingterrorism andgenocide. In response,Leonid Slutsky stated that the resolution was part of an "anti-Russia project", accused Lithuania ofRussophobia and said that "the level of relations with Lithuania has already been lowered significantly".[169]
On 8 June 2022 Russian parliamentarianYevgeny Alexeyevich Fyodorov submitted a bill to repeal Russia's recognition of Lithuania's independence.[170] He thought that in this way the other two Baltic states might have their independence reversed too."[171] Towards the end of June, Lithuania announced that it would block the transport of Russian goods through their territory. Russia criticised Lithuania for this.[172]
In September 2022, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia decided to end entry for Russian citizens withSchengen visas, including those issued by third countries.[108] In 2022, around 4,000 Russian citizens applied for aresidence permit in Lithuania, while 38 had theirpermanent residence permit revoked over security concerns.[173]
In December 2022, diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Russia were downgraded to the level of actingchargé d'affaires after the Russian ambassador was expelled and the Lithuanian ambassador recalled.[174]
In August 2023, following a survey, Lithuania announced that 254 Russian and 910 Belarusian citizens living in Lithuania posed a threat tonational security and that theirresidence permits will be revoked.[175][176]
Prime MinisterRobert Abela said that during the meeting of European leaders Malta had "spoken in favour of peace in Ukraine", adding that doing so "did not compromise Malta's position of neutrality", as Malta's constitution affirms the island as aneutral state adhering to a policy of non-alignment.[178]
PresidentMaia Sandu condemned the invasion, calling it "a blatant breach of international law and of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity."[179] She added that Moldova was ready to accept tens of thousands of people fleeing Ukraine after the Russian attack and vowed to keep its border open.[180]
Prince Albert II affirmed his support for Ukraine in a statement: "The Principality reaffirms its support of international laws, and to the sovereignty, the integrity and the independence of states." and "Monaco is at the side of the Ukrainian population and human rights."[181]
The Monaco Royal Palace said "The Principality has adopted and implemented, without delay, procedures for freezing funds and economic sanctions identical to those taken by most European States."[183]
PresidentMilo Đukanović condemned the Russian invasion, saying it "violates all fundamental principles of international law, undermines European security, and endangers its stability." Deputy Prime MinisterDritan Abazović tweeted that Montenegro stands with NATO and EU partners.[41]
Prime MinisterMark Rutte condemned Russia's actions, saying that "one country and one man are responsible", while calling for "maximum sanctions".[184] KingWillem-Alexander and QueenMáxima stated that their "hearts go out to the people of Ukraine and everyone affected by the violence."[185] TheDutch royal family announced it would host six to eight families of refugees from Ukraine from mid-April atHet Oude Loo.[186]
PresidentStevo Pendarovski condemned the Russian invasion as "an attack on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, blatant violation of the basic principles of international law, attack on the democratic order and a threat to the stability of Europe."[187]
Prime MinisterDimitar Kovačevski announced his government's readiness to receive refugees from Ukraine if the situation there deteriorated further.[188]
Before the invasion, Polish Prime MinisterMateusz Morawiecki warned that Putin was seeking to rebuild theRussian Empire and urged Europe to unite and stop him.[190] On 22 February, after Putin declared the independence of theDonbas, Prime Minister Morawiecki called the action "an act of aggression".[191] Polish leaders urged European powers to adopt strong financial sanctions against Russia. Morawiecki singled out Germany'sNord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia as "harmful and dangerous."[192]
On 24 February, Morawiecki tweeted, "We must immediately respond to Russia's criminal aggression on Ukraine Europe and the free world has to stop Putin."[193]
On 26 February, thePolish Football Association announced that it would not participate in a planned 24 MarchWorld Cup qualifying match against the Russian squad in Moscow.[194] Poland joined other countries in manyRussian diplomatspersona non grata.
On 9 May, duringVE Day, Russian Ambassador to Poland Sergey Andreev was splashed with red liquid by protestors, as he arrived at a Soviet military cemetery for wreath-laying ceremony. The protestors prevented the Russian delegation from laying the wreath and shouted "murderers" and "fascists" at them, before the police escorted Andreev and his delegation away.Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswomanMaria Zakharova denounced the attack and called the protestors "young neo-Nazis", and demanded that Poland organize the wreath-laying ceremony.Polish Minister of Interior and AdministrationMariusz Kaminski defended the protestors.[195][196]
A survey from 22 June reported that only 2% of Poles held a favourable view of Russia, while 97% were unfavourable, the most negative views of Russia among all countries included in that survey. The 2% view was a collapse from previous polls, which for the prior two decades had about 20–40% of Poles expressing a favourable view.[197]
In September 2022, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia closed entry for Russian citizens withSchengen visas.[108]
PresidentKlaus Iohannis condemned the, invasion, stating that "Romania, together with the entire international democratic community, rejects this irresponsible behaviour that undermines the foundations of international relations and the current order of international law" and that Romanian citizens should leave Ukraine as soon as possible.[204]
On 13 March 2022, an unarmed RussianOrlan-10 reconnaissance drone crashed in the Romanian village ofTărpiu.[98][99][100]
Starting in late April 2022, Russian hacking groupKillnet launcheda series of cyberattacks against Romanian government and other official websites.[205] This followed a visit from Romanian authorities to Kyiv promising more support for Ukraine.[206]
A poll in Romania showed disapproval of Russia rose from 37% in 2021 to 79% in 2022.[207]
Prime MinisterJanez Janša condemned Russia's "unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine" and demanded that Russia immediately withdraw its military, reaffirming Slovenia's support of Ukraine.[210] The national flag of Ukraine was hung from the Slovenian Parliament inLjubljana as a symbol of solidarity and brotherhood.[211]
Minister of Foreign AffairsJosé Manuel Albares called the attack "unjustifiable" and a "blatant violation of international law", and announced that Spain was coordinating with EU partners and NATO allies.[213] Minister of DefenceMargarita Robles asked for "really severe" sanctions and called Russian actions "of an extraordinary gravity" but noted that no NATO troops would enter Ukraine as the country "is not a NATO member".[214]
On 27 February, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles announced a 20-ton shipment of military equipment to Ukraine[215] and advanced the request to send thefrigate Blas de Lezo in conjunction with a NATO mission.[216]
Prime MinisterMagdalena Andersson stated that "Sweden condemns in the strongest terms Russia's ongoing invasion. Russia's acts are also an attack on the European security order. It will be met by a united and robust response in solidarity with Ukraine. Russia alone is responsible for human suffering.".[217]
Demonstration on the anniversary of theinvasion in Stockholm, 24 February 2023
In 2023, it summoned Russia's ambassador to complain about a statement on the embassy's web site according to which joining NATO made the Nordic countries "a legitimate target for Russian retaliatory measures, including those of a military nature".[218]
AYouGov poll showed that in February 2023, 63% of respondents in Sweden wanted to support Ukraine in a war with Russia until Russian troops leave alloccupied territories.[219]
The Swiss foreign ministry called Russia's actions an "invasion" and a "gross violation of international law", while Swiss PresidentIgnazio Cassis announced that the country would support EU sanctions on travel and finance but would still not impose sanctions of its own.[220] However, theSwiss Federal Council reversed course on 28 February, announcing that Switzerland was imposing the same sanctions on Russian assets as the European Union. Exempt from these sanctions were payments for energy raw materials. According to Cassis, the decision was unprecedented but consistent withSwiss neutrality.[221] The Ukraine Recovery International Conference took place inLugano, Switzerland on 5 July 2022, to finance the rebuilding of the war-torn nation.[222]
Members of the royal family donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and other groups.[223]
Prime MinisterBoris Johnson said "President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack".[224] Secretary of State for DefenceBen Wallace described Russia's actions as "naked aggression against a democratic country".[225]
Gibraltar – "Today's actions by Russia, launching a full-scale invasion of a sovereign, democratic nation without any provocation or reasonable excuse, is nothing short of appalling. None of us expected to witness such unforgivable aggression in Europe in our lifetimes. Gibraltar therefore joins with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, leaders of other nations and people around the world in condemning this action in the most strident terms", said Chief MinisterFabian Picardo.[226] Picardo called for a ban of the Russian state-controlled television network RT on 25 February; television providers in Gibraltar agreed to suspend broadcasts of RT.[227]
Guernsey – "Guernsey follows the UK's sanctions regime and UK foreign policy and will continue to do so. Some of the announced measures will apply automatically and this has already been communicated to the industry. Some of the other sanctions announced yesterday may require new legislation in the UK and if so, the States will move in step with the UK to ensure that all new sanctions will apply and be enforced uniformly."[228]
Isle of Man – The Isle of Man closed its airspace and ports to Russian airplanes and ships, and extended the UK's sanctions to automatically apply on the Isle of Man. Chief ministerAlfred Cannan condemned the invasion.[229]
Jersey – Deputy (Acting) Chief Minister, SenatorLyndon Farnham, stated, "We are fully alongside the United Kingdom in its condemnation of this aggressive action, and we will act promptly in line with the UK's response. The UK is ultimately responsible for our foreign relations as a matter of international law, and we implement both U.K. and UN sanctions."[230]
The government applied economic sanctions on Russian banks and individual citizens and bannedAeroflot planes from entering British airspace. In retaliation the Russian government banned British planes from entering Russian airspace.[231]
Britain supplied Ukraine with military equipment; most notablyNLAW missiles, commencing in January 2022 in anticipation of the invasion.[232] As of 16 March, the UK confirmed that it had delivered more than 4,000 NLAWs.[233] The UK commenced supplying Ukraine withStarstreak missiles (HVM). British soldiers were sent via Poland to help train Ukrainian forces.[234][235] These were sent as an interim measure until the arrival of theSky Sabre missile defence system.[236]
On 26 February, Britain and its partners blocked Russian banks' access to theSWIFT international payment system, according to Johnson.[237]
On 5 March, Britain warned that Russia's suggestedceasefire in Mariupol, Ukraine, was a ploy to distract international attention while reorganizing its forces.[238] "By accusing Ukraine of breaking the agreement, Russia is likely seeking to shift responsibility for current and future civilian casualties in the city," stated the British defence ministry.[238] Britain urged its citizens to consider leaving the country. "If your presence in Russia is not essential, we advise that you consider leaving by remaining commercial routes."[239]
On 11 March the UK imposed sanctions on 386 members of Russia's lower house of parliament and attempted to prohibit the export of luxury products to Russia.[240]
On 12 March, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany cautioned Russia that its demands for economic guarantees with Iran could jeopardize an almost-completed nuclear deal.[241]
On 17 March, the United Kingdom said it had "very, very strong evidence" of war crimes in Ukraine, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin was orchestrating them.[242]
On 24 March, theKremlin declared Johnson to the most active anti-Russian leader. Downing Street rejected these claims and stated that the Prime Minister was "anti-Putin" and had no issue with the Russian people.[244] On 3 May, Russia aired a segment titledThe Sinkable Island. During the segment, hosted byDmitry Kiselyov, a simulation showing a hypothetical nuclear attack on Great Britain was shown.[245]
On 29 October, Russia accused the UK of involvement in theNord Stream pipeline sabotage, which it claimed was carried out by the Royal Navy, in addition to involvement in the drone strikes on theSevastopol Naval Base. The UK Ministry of Defence released a statement denouncing the claims and stated that Russia was "peddling lies on an epic scale".[246] Earlier in the month, Russia had accused the UK of involvement in theCrimean Bridge explosion.[citation needed]
Russian state television reported in June 2022 that Ortega had extended an invitation to Russian forces to enter his country in the second half of 2022. State TV host Olga Skabeeva said "It's time for Russia to launch something potent closer to the American city on a hill."[249]
The Bahamas denounced the invasion. Foreign MinisterFred Mitchell stated "The invasion by the Russian Federation and led by its President Vladimir Putin is wrong, unlawful and should end and be reversed."[254]
Canada imposed economic sanctions on Russia that prevented Canada from exporting services related to Russia's oil, gas, and chemical industries as of June 2022.[257]
PresidentCarlos Alvarado released a statement condemning the "use of force and the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine", saying that peace is the "only way".[258]
Dominican PresidentLuis Abinader urged Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and stated that Russia was violating the political, cultural and territorial identity of Ukrainians.[260]
The country's government blamed NATO and the United States for the invasion, stating that they had violated theMinsk agreements. PresidentNicolás Maduro said before the invasion that Venezuela was with Putin, but also urged a diplomatic dialogue to avoid an increase in the conflict.[262][263]
Brazilian PresidentLula da Silva with Vladimir Putin during theVictory Day celebrations in Moscow on 7 May 2025
PresidentJair Bolsonaro declined to condemn the invasion, while departing from his government's official stance to say that Brazil would remain neutral.[264] Brazil supported a UNSC resolution condemning the invasion on 25 February.[265] Vice-presidentHamilton Mourão suggested use of force against Russia in the context of military crisis.[266] However, on 27 February, Bolsonaro said that he would not condemn the invasion and that Brazil would remain neutral.[267] In 2023, Brazilian PresidentLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the invasion, but suggested Ukraine could "give up Crimea" in exchange forpeace and Russia's withdrawal to the pre-invasion lines.[268][269] In May 2025, Brazilian President Lula da Silva attended theVictory Day parade in Moscow.[270]
TheMinistry of Foreign Affairs stated that, as "a pacifist state", the Bolivian government urged Russia and Ukraine to avoid the use of force and seek diplomatic de-escalation. It did not explicitly condemn the invasion, instead citing a "lack of dialogue and understanding" as causing escalation.[271] Two days later, on 28 February, before the UN General Assembly, Bolivia rejected Russia's "invasion and unilateral actions".[272] Nonetheless, Bolivia abstained from UN and OAS motions condemning Russia or demanding a cessation of hostilities and voted against expelling Russia from theUnited Nations Human Rights Council.[273][274][275]
On 24 February, theMinistry of Foreign Affairs called on Russia to respect the UN charter and international law.[276] PresidentAlberto Fernández asked "the Russian Federation to put an end to the military action, respect Ukraine's sovereignty and return to dialogue."[277] On 24 February, Argentina, along with Brazil and three other Latin American states, abstained from a vote at theOrganization of American States condemning the invasion, saying the organization was not a "pertinent forum".[278] On 2 March, Argentina voted in favor of theUnited Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1 condemning Russia's invasion.[279] Foreign MinisterSantiago Cafiero called the invasion "illegitimate" and condemned "military operations on Ukrainian soil".[280] Argentina supported Ukraine at the UN Human Rights Council.[281] On 1 July 2022, Fernández had a phone conversation with President Zelenskyy, where Fernández condemned the invasion again and promised more aid to Ukraine.[282]
PresidentGuillermo Lasso said that Ecuador would support the position of the United Nations and the Organization of American States in condemning the invasion. "The aggression is a violent intrusion and a violation of our principles for worldwide peace," he said. He added, however, that Ecuador had no plans to suspend diplomatic relations with Russia.[284]
Foreign Affairs MinisterCésar Landa said: "Faced with the violation of [the] sovereignty, territory, and integrity of Ukraine, Peru rejects the use of force and states its opinion through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, invoking respect for international law."[288]
PresidentLuis Lacalle Pou condemned Russia's "actions contrary to international law".[290] TheMinistry of Foreign Relations stated that the attacks violated the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It announced that four Uruguayan citizens were evacuated from Ukraine to Cyprus.[291][292]
Eritrean PresidentIsaias Afwerki with Russian President Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on 31 May 2023Putin with South African PresidentCyril Ramaphosa in St. Petersburg on 17 June 2023
Algeria took a cautious stance, neither publicly endorsing or condemning the invasion. Comments focused on the situation of Algerians in Ukraine. Algeria rejected the Sonatrach CEO's assertion (later repudiated) that Algeria was ready to increase gas supply to Europe. Algeria disagreed with Ukraine's plan to hire mercenaries.[294]
Algeria wanted to joinBRICS with Russian support (later abandoning the effort). Algeria's relations with Russia remained positive.[295]
PresidentIbrahim Traoré stated "There is a desire to change politics which leads us to turn our backs on our traditional partners and turn towards our true friends like Russia."[296]
Burkina Faso is one of six African countries in the Russia-Africa grain deal in which members receive up to 50,000 tonnes of grain each free of charge.[297]
Burundi's foreign minister insisted that his country would not take sides in Russia's war against Ukraine.[300] However, in December 2023, Burundi voted against condemning Russia at the United Nations.[301]
The Angolan government urged a ceasefire and warned that the conflict, in addition to causing human and material damage, caused "a climate of tension between the two countries, with international proportions". The Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "the parties must strive for the peaceful resolution of the conflict."[302]
Somalia is one of six African countries to be part of the Russia-Africa grain deal in which the African countries that are members of the organization receive up to 50,000 tonnes of grain each free of charge.[297]
William Ruto, president ofKenya, refused to attend the2023 Russia–Africa Summit and opted for theAfrican Union (AU) to represent Kenya instead. A spokesperson asked the AU "to try and tie down relations with Africa as it gets shunned by the West over its war in Ukraine".[304]
Kenya took part in the joint statement led by Albanian-Americans after the UN Security Council voted on a resolution concerning Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Putin and North Korean leaderKim Jong Un in Pyongyang, North Korea, 19 June 2024Putin with Chinese leaderXi Jinping, Indian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi and other leaders at the16th BRICS summit inKazan, Russia, 23 October 2024
Vladimir Putin and Mongolian PresidentUkhnaagiin Khürelsükh standing in front of the statue ofGenghis Khan in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 3 September 2024
Battsetseg Batmunkh, Mongolia's foreign minister, said "if the situation continued to escalate it may contribute negatively to world peace and stability", and called on the parties to quickly negotiate a ceasefire.[311]
Kazakhstan, a neighbour and ally of Russia, reportedly denied a request for its troops to join the invasion. A statement issued on its Telegram channel on 27 February said: "A request to send Kazakh military to Ukraine or any other country hasn't been received and, correspondingly, hasn't been considered."[313] Kazakhstan avoided criticising Russia's invasion.[314] PresidentKassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that his country would not recognize Luhansk and Donetsk Republics, which he considered to be quasi-states.[315]
Kazakhstan–Russia relations deteriorated following theinvasion. Foreign MinisterMukhtar Tleuberdi did not condemn the Russian invasion and abstained on the UN vote to condemn it.[316]
In addition to sending humanitarian aid toUkraine, the Kazakh military increased spending and training.[317]Northern Kazakhstan's sizeable Russian minority, led to concerns that Russia might use the same arguments as in Ukraine to bolsterirredentism there.
Kazakhstan received a large influx of Russians leaving to avoidconscription. President Tokayev promised that his government would help Russians who were leaving "because of the current hopeless situation", and that it was "a political and a humanitarian issue."[318]
Kazakhstan agreed to share the personal data ofexiled anti-war Russians with the Russian government. In September, Kazakh authorities detained a Russian journalist who was wanted on charges of"discrediting" the Russian military.[319] In December, Kazakhstan deported a Russian citizen who fled mobilization.[320] In January 2023, Kazakhstan announced they were tightening visa rules.[321][322]
Russia suspended shipments of Kazakh oil afterTokayev’s statements at theSt. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where he stated that Kazakhstan would not recognize the DPR and LPR "republics".[323] However, Kazakh/Russian relations remained mostly friendly, as shown by Tokayev's visit to Moscow in November 2022.[324]
In September 2023, Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan would follow the sanctions regime against Russia.[325]
In January 2024, the head of theKazakh diaspora in Moscow, Polat Dzhamalov, was charged by Russian authorities with spreading "false information" about the Russian armed forces after he shared a senior Russian official's alleged estimate ofRussian military deaths in a Facebook post.[326]
^Antezza, Arianna; Frank, Andre; Frank, Pascal; Franz, Lukas; Kharitonov, Ivan; Kumar, Bharath; Rebinskaya, Ekaterina; Trebesch, Christoph (21 February 2023)."Ukraine Support Tracker". Update 21 February 2023: data since 24 January 2022 and through 15 January 2023. Kiel Institute. Retrieved21 February 2023.
^Antezza, Arianna; Frank, Andre; Frank, Pascal; Franz, Lukas; Kharitonov, Ivan; Kumar, Bharath; Rebinskaya, Ekaterina; Trebesch, Christoph (21 February 2023)."Ukraine Support Tracker – 9th release (covering January 24, 2022 to January 15, 2023)". Update 21 February 2023: data since 24 January 2022 and through 15 January 2023. Kiel Institute. Retrieved21 February 2023.
^ab"Norway condemns Russia's military attack on Ukraine". Oslo:Government.no. 24 February 2022.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.'Norway condemns Russia's military attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. This attack is a serious violation of international law and endangers the lives of innocent people,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
^abDemianyk, Graeme (24 February 2022)."Boris Johnson Condemns Russia's 'Unprovoked Attack' On Ukraine".HuffPost. New York City.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps. President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively.
^Demianyk, Graeme (24 February 2022)."Boris Johnson Condemns Russia's 'Unprovoked Attack' On Ukraine".HuffPost. New York City.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.This is naked aggression against a democratic country which had dared to express a different aspiration than being a supine neighbour to Russia.
^ab"Bolivia no condena el ataque a Ucrania, pero hace un 'llamado de paz' a las partes en conflicto" [Bolivia does not condemn the attack on Ukraine, but makes a 'peace appeal' to the parties in conflict].Página Siete (in Spanish). La Paz. 24 February 2022.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.Bolivia, como Estado pacifista, promueve el derecho de los pueblos a vivir en paz, por lo cual la prioridad debe ser proteger la vida, en el marco del respeto al Derecho Internacional, de los Derechos Humanos y el Derecho Internacional Humanitario. [Bolivia, as a pacifist State, promotes the right of peoples to live in peace, for which the priority must be to protect life, within the framework of respect for International Law, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.]
^"Uso de la fuerza contra Ucrania" [Use of force against Ukraine].Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (in Spanish).Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.
^"Situación de uruguayos en Ucrania" [Situation of Uruguayans in Ukraine].Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (in Spanish).Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.
^abMiddle East, politics. "An Insight into Algeria's Position on Russia-Ukraine Conflict." Futureuae, futureuae.com/en-US/Mainpage/Item/7192/declared-neutrality-an-insight-into-algerias-position-on-russia-ukraine-conflict. Accessed 19 August 2023.
^Lendon, Brad; Cotovio, Vasco (24 February 2022). Written at Seoul and Moscow."Poland and Baltic countries trigger consultations under NATO article 4". Atlanta:CNN.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said Russia's invasion of Ukraine represented a 'threat to the whole of Europe,' the Estonian government said in a statement on Thursday.
^Tabatadze, Tamar (24 February 2022)."Georgian nation shocked by Russian aggression in Ukraine, President declares".First Channel.Tbilisi.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.'Georgian nation shocked by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and call for a halt to the military operations. Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine)!', the President wrote on Twitter.
^Frühauf, Sarah (24 February 2022)."Berlin im Schockzustand".tagesschau.de.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved25 February 2022.
^Parti, Tarini (24 February 2022)."Biden Calls Putin's Ukraine Actions an 'Unprovoked and Unjustified' Attack".The Wall Street Journal. New York City.Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved24 February 2022.President Biden said in a statement Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions against Ukraine were an 'unprovoked and unjustified attack.' 'President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,' the statement said.
^Abkhazia's status is disputed. It is internationally recognized in whole as part the country of Georgia. Abkhazia is recognized as independent by five UN member states as well as four partially or wholly unrecognized states.
^Artsakh (or the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) was a self-proclaimed breakaway state in the South Caucasus, whose territory is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. The territory's existencecame to an end on 31 December 2023.
^South Ossetia's status is disputed. It is internationally recognized in whole as part of the country of Georgia. South Ossetia is recognized as independent by five UN member states as well as four partially or wholly unrecognized states.
^Transnistria'spolitical status is disputed. It considers itself to be an independent state, but this is not recognised by anyUN member state. TheMoldovan government and the international community consider Transnistria a part of Moldova's territory.